The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu received H.E. Mr Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (May 3, 2025). She also hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming President Joao Lourenco on his first State visit to India, the President said that his visit is historic and timely, since this year India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The President congratulated President Joao Lourenco for assuming the Chair of African Union. She noted that during the India's G20 Presidency, African Union was included as its full member, and also expressed satisfaction that the African voice is now being heard on this important multilateral platform.

The President said that India shares a special friendship with African countries, including Angola. She added that we are committed to mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership with all African countries through our initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit.

The President appreciated the important role played by Angola in promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.

The President said that terrorism continues to be a scourge facing humanity and it should be unequivocally condemned in all its forms and manifestations. She appreciated President Lourenco's strong expression of sympathy and support in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

The President also commended the Indian Diaspora in Angola, which acts as a connecting bridge between our two countries, both culturally and economically.

The President noted that India has been a leading voice for the interests and aspirations of developing countries in the world. Both leaders agreed that India and Angola should continue to work together, not only for the progress and well-being of the people of our two countries, but for the wider Global South. 

Please click here to see the President's Speech-

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MJPS/SR

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